The recent tranche of documents released from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation—mandated by the bipartisan Epstein Transparency Act—has yielded explosive revelations that directly undermine President Donald Trump’s long-standing defenses regarding his relationship with the convicted sex offender. Investigative journalist Roger Sollenberger has unearthed critical details from the files that include a previously unknown FBI slideshow documenting a credible accusation against Trump, as well as a 2006 phone call where Trump allegedly told a police chief that “everyone” knew about Epstein’s crimes .
The FBI Slideshow and Credible Accusations
According to Sollenberger’s report published in Raw Story, the most damaging revelation comes from an internal FBI slideshow released in the latest batch of Epstein files. The presentation reportedly shows that Trump was credibly accused of abusing at least two young girls, citing court records and the FBI’s own investigative materials .
This finding directly contradicts what Sollenberger describes as one of Trump’s “central defenses”—that he has never been credibly accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The report notes that Trump has largely evaded the crosshairs of the Epstein saga “thanks in part to false statements, misdirection, public confusion, and excessive redactions from his own DOJ” .
The MeidasPlus network, also covering Sollenberger’s findings, highlighted the alarming timeline of this investigation. “The FBI DID interview a victim who credibly accused Trump of sexual assault,” the outlet reported. “The interview was conducted July 24, 2019, and entered into the FBI’s case files on Aug 9, the day before Epstein was found dead in his jail cell” .
The 2006 Phone Call: “Everyone Has Known”
Beyond the accusations of abuse, the newly surfaced documents also challenge Trump’s assertion that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal behavior. A summary of a 2019 FBI interview with former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter, included in the released files, describes a phone call Trump made to Reiter in July 2006 .
As Epstein’s first sex crime charges became public, Trump allegedly called the police chief and said: “Thank goodness you’re stopping him, everyone has known he’s been doing this” . According to the document, Trump further advised that people in New York were aware of Epstein’s behavior and specifically warned that Ghislaine Maxwell was “evil.” Trump also reportedly mentioned an occasion when he was around Epstein while teenagers were present, claiming he “got the hell out of there” .
Reiter, who retired in 2009, has confirmed the details of the FBI interview to the Miami Herald . The statement undermines the president’s repeated claims that he severed ties with Epstein upon learning of his crimes and had no knowledge of the illicit activities.
Political Fallout and Allegations of a Cover-Up
The revelations have sent shockwaves through Washington, intensifying scrutiny not only on the President but also on his administration’s handling of the files. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has faced bipartisan calls to resign after emails surfaced showing he visited Epstein’s private island for lunch in 2012, years after he claimed to have cut all ties .
Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing fierce criticism over the document release process. Despite the DOJ issuing a letter claiming it has “completely fulfilled its obligation” under the Epstein Transparency Act, critics point to massive redactions and missing files . Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), a key advocate for transparency, has been particularly vocal, stating on ABC: “Trump told us… that he would be transparent. But he’s not. He’s still in with the Epstein class. This is the Epstein Administration” .
Even conservative media is expressing outrage. Newsmax host Carl Higbie lambasted the DOJ’s redactions, suggesting a cover-up. “This is either a cover-up or it’s incompetence, and I want somebody to go to jail for it,” Higbie said on his show .
Survivors Speak Out
Amid the political maneuvering, a group of 20 Epstein survivors has issued a joint statement condemning the document release as re-traumatizing. They argue that the process has exposed their identities while shielding the powerful men involved.
“This latest release of Epstein files is being sold as transparency, but what it actually does is expose survivors,” the statement read. “Once again, survivors are having their names and identifying information exposed, while the men who abused us remain hidden and protected. That is outrageous” .
As House Democrats, led by Ranking Member Robert Garcia, demand the release of unredacted files and threaten to subpoena the administration, the Epstein scandal continues to pose a significant political threat to the White House. With Sollenberger’s reporting confirming that the FBI had credible evidence of wrongdoing by Trump in 2019, questions are mounting over why no further investigation or charges have ever materialized .